Tevez: I'm on my way back to Man City... now watch me win back Mancini and the fans

Carlos Tevez has vowed to win over the Manchester City fans ahead of his potentially explosive return.

The rebel striker touches down in England on Monday for the first time in months and is due to resume training with the club on Tuesday.

Tevez has revealed that he wants to kickstart his career after being sidelined ever since his bust-up with boss Roberto Mancini during the defeat at Bayern Munich in September.

In a fascinating interview with Fox Sports Latin America, Tevez also revealed how he almost had a punch-up with Mancini in October 2010.

However, he also failed to deliver the apology that Mancini wants before he returns to the team.

He said: 'I want to go back to Manchester and win over the City fans.

Look who's back: Carlos Tevez is paraded at Boca Juniors last week

'People turned their back on me but it's normal. I didn't understand. I've decided to return to City.

'I know I have what it takes to revert the situation. I know it'll be hard, but it's a nice challenge.'

On the incident in Munich - when he was accused by Mancini of refusing to come on as a substitute - Tevez added: 'I had warmed up during the first half. Then I went to the dressing room. For the second half I was ready.

'I didn't understand City fans burning my shirt. It hurt. It's normal they react like that because they read all sorts of thing.

'It was a delicate situation. I decided to say nothing about it during all this time. I decided not to talk to the media for the last four months. Last time I spoke was right after the Bayern Munich game.

'In that second half, Mancini decided to
replace Edin Dzeko with Nigel de Jong. It was a defensive sub. I didn't
understand. Dzeko argued with Mancini.

Controversy: Tevez had a bust-up with Mancini on the bench in Munich

'I decided to sit. Mancini was upset for arguing with Dzeko. Then he looks at me and asks me to warm up.

'Mancini told me all sorts of things there. I don't know why. I was relaxed. I was talking to Pablo Zabaleta. I had no problems.

'I never refused to play. I refused to keep warming up. The club investigated and then they fined me.

'I was worried about my future after that two-week fine. That fine was OK. But I want people to know the truth. They didn't want to.

'The club statement protected the manager. I got a lot of heat from the media in England, Argentina, everywhere.'

Tevez went on: 'Now that I have a cooler head, I understand City fans. Back in the heat of the moment I didn't. I did a lot of things for City.

'To be insulted by fans after what happened in Munich was something I didn't deserve. I was very upset by everything and maybe I wasn't seeing things clearly. That Bayern episode could have been avoided.

Happier times: Tevez is hoping to win over the doubters on his return to City

'They could have kicked me out of the club without saying all the things they said. Deal with the situation in a different way.

'I think that's where Mancini got things wrong. If we had a problem, we could have sorted it out in a different way. Mancini is a winner. And I'm a winner too. None of us like to lose.

Asked about his relationship with Mancini, he said: 'Last season we almost exchanged
punches! After the home game against Newcastle, we almost hit each other
in the dressing room. But we spoke the following day.'

But he added: 'If it's true that Mancini said he will welcome me back if I'm fit, then I like those quotes.

'But he also said I was never going to be playing for him again. So I don't know. I'll do my best to be available and play.

'Mancini's position got stronger when Kun Aguero arrived. I don't know if he would have done the things he did if this was last season. But he never said anything. He got a better team this season and felt like making the decision.'

On his lack of match fitness, Tevez
added: 'I have been training on my own. I know I can be back on the
pitch in two weeks. I'm willing to play.

'It's tough to talk about City's title
challenge now. I feel like I'm out the squad. I wish I can go back there
and help them win.'